https://www.facebook.com/630WPRO/videos/2213393105596951/
By Tessa Roy, WPRO News
Contract discussions between bus company First Student and the school bus drivers union, Teamsters Local 251, were ongoing on Wednesday as Providence police and school officials briefed reporters on their plans to keep students safe in case the bus drivers strike early Thursday morning. Mayor Jorge Elorza was on location where those discussions were underway, and officials said they were keeping in touch with him.
First Student and the union have been at odds over retirement benefits, with the union wanting its members to have pensions and the company claiming the pension fund the union wants to join is underfunded. Just a few hours after Providence’s press conference, word that the strike was happening became official.
Police Chief Hugh Clements said the entire department is aware that Thursday could be a “different day.” He said officers will be at each of the 30 Providence schools impacted during the strike and will step in to help if a student appears stranded or lost.
“We urge people, as the school department already has, for families, students to be patient. Where we had a large volume of buses transporting 9,000 students, we now will have a significant increase in motor vehicles and pedestrians,” he said.
School Superintendent Chris Maher said the school department plans to keep families informed through phone calls, social media, and updates in the press. He said schools understand that some students will be late or absent, and that they’ll have the opportunity to make up missed work without being penalized.
Officials reiterated their previous point that they looked into other transportation options for students, but none were feasible. Maher encouraged families to keep emergency contact information updated, and said the informational phone line 401-919-5271 will be updated consistently.
First Student said in a statement that it was disappointed in the union’s decision to strike, but is ready to return to negotiations any time.
“First Student understands that even one day without yellow bus transportation is a hardship for the families, students and schools that depend on us. It is deeply unfortunate that the Teamsters are willing to hold the transportation of thousands of Providence students hostage as a negotiating ploy,” said spokesperson Frank McMahon. “This is a desperate attempt to force our drivers to join the New England Teamsters & Trucking Industry Pension Fund. The plan is currently underfunded by $3.6 billion, has liabilities that have increased by $700 million in just the last two years, is classified as being in ‘critical and declining’ status by the U.S. Treasury Department, and may be insolvent in less than 10 years.”
Union spokesperson Nick Williams told WPRO’s Gene Valicenti earlier on Wednesday that First Student was not fully matching 401K benefits and that it is not impossible for the company to give drivers a pension. Listen to the full conversation below.
Listen to “09/26/18 Nick Williams Union Leader for First Ride School Buses” on Spreaker.
